Category: Gen (Canon)
Characters/Pairings: Merlin, Arthur
Ratings/Warnings: K+
Word Count: 303
He was falling. Crashing to the ground as his vision went white, jerking forward as the blade was tugged out of his torso. He was staring up at the canopies of the trees surrounding him, the sound of metal against metal and screaming was all he could hear. Several minutes later the sound died down and someone was kneeling beside him.
"Merlin? Merlin, can you hear me?"
"Arthur?" His voice was quiet and raspy, betraying the fear he felt. His stubborn eyes locked onto his friend's. "Arthur, I'm scared."
"It's okay Merlin, I'm right here." The prince grasped his hand tightly, moving the hair that was plastered to his forehead by a thin layer of sweat. "I'm here."
He tried taking deep breaths, but every time he inhaled blinding pain shot through his body, clawing at anything within reach. A soft choking noise filled his ears, but he could tell where it was coming from. The only thing he was aware of was the warm hand in his and a warm substance trickling from his mouth.
"Merlin, Merlin you stay with me!"
His eyes were beginning to close and the dark abyss seemed so welcoming and safe. It seemed an appealing escape from this cruel world. He was jerked back to alertness by a sharp gasp to his right. His control was wavering, gaze wondering for a moment before finally landing on Arthur. Shock took over the blonde's features as the blade was pulled out of his chest from behind. Their blue eyes met for the last time before he fell forward over his friend, unmoving. Merlin felt the last breath leave his body, the warm weight on his torso allowing him to let go. They were found the next morning in the same position, hands still intertwined.